Religious education becomes compulsory in Russia

what an appaling idea! Organised religion, of whatever dogma, is a primary medium for repression and conflict. It exists to focus power and control on those who control the dogma an who know the secrets. It is a force which resists change and inhibits the evolution of an ethical philosophy to guide humanity, one based on truth, not on Bronze Age creation myths. Churches and their priests tell lies to children - and we are supposed to respect those lies. How sad that one man, Putin, can allow more priests to telli more lies to more children.

Putin shoring up support in the clergy. Perhaps not a bad idea considering he knows that he is moving towards stormy waters.

Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons.

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.

Putin shoring up support in the clergy. Perhaps not a bad idea considering he knows that he is moving towards stormy waters.

Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons.
(bganon, 9 February 2012 16:57)

Untrue, when I took it at secondary school It was rather fun, & taught us of the other religions (not only our own, Catholicism) & how to respect them

what an appaling idea! Organised religion, of whatever dogma, is a primary medium for repression and conflict.
(Andrew Beaumont, 9 February 2012 17:00)

Bganon and you should re-read the article. The title is very much misleading. I think, B92 could do a better summary and make a proper title of the content they correctly write later. There won't be any "compulsory" religious education in Russia. Instead, like in most E.U. countries the students can CHOSE either:

a) study one particular of the four major religions of the country (Orthodox-Pravoslav, Muslim, Iudaism, Buddhism)
b) study the basics and presumably the history of world's religions
c) study secular ethic standards

This is even a broader choice becase b) is usually absent in E.U. countries, so is Buddhism (despite Berlin, London and Paris being cities with very large Buddhist community).

And the choice "c)" is for the "rest of us". Not-so-surprisingly, the majority of Russian kids chose "c)".

There is no d). Possible choices....

Is it therapeutic to some to harp on about mankind being blocked from some evolving "truth" by "organized religion"(sic) whatever that grandly broad term might mean at any place and at any time for many thousand years now. And if you have the "truth" we are all missing, please publish it to public scrutiny and see who will live by your personal dogma. Here's the bottom line whether you like or not. Mankind is "evolving" into the major organized religions not away from them. That's just demographics and history. That's progress in the only sense progress can objectively mean. Perhaps the vast majority of mankind is "mentally ill" ( like Nietzsche ?) as a below adolescent angrily wrote. That is unlikely. Putin's Russia went through 75 years of ant-religious education. It didn't create the ethical society promised. After the disaster of the past alien Communist and Yeltsin years, Putin wisely protects the authentic. In fifty years or less, the post-Christian West will not be post-Christian. Whether it is churches or mosques that dot the landscape, I couldn't predict, but the idea that Islam or Christianity will somehow be extinguished or even weakened is very ahistorical. You can explain away such things as the dominance of religion in human affairs with amateur psychologizing but as Heidegger noted post-modern man often has such answers to questions he's never experienced.

"Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons."
(bganon, 9 February 2012 16:57)

That's why they can choose. And the majority was wise enough to choose 'ethics' not to be brainwashed by some priests, imams, rabbies or whatever. But it shouldn't be the parents who can choose but the students themselves.

Teaching some basic ethics, values and behavior doesn't sound bad to me

Beaumont

1/ If you are so rational tell me please what for do you need letters in your second name which are never pronounced ? How much ink and time millions of French speaking people could save if the rules were as simple ( one sound – one letter) as they are in Russian ?

2/ Even if you are such a war mongering atheist what’s wrong if people will better understand each other ? Whatever you say religions will remain after we all go. It’s just goes as a matter of fact. Besides in such a multinational and multinational state as Russia definitely is confessional harmony is the question of survival. This is why we have no religion conflicts like there in Europe.

Bganon

What’s happened with you and what is there you can object ?

Andy UK

Mental illness is when you judge of something you never know !

Ataman

Молодца !

Religion classes were a howl in my school. We used to get some idiot priest/monk/brother tell us all about hell, fire and brimestone awaits for those who indulge in sins of the flesh, how Muslims kill Christians. Jews will forever be banished from the Kingdom of Heaven for killing our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Protestants must return to the one true Church to save themselves and our Orthodox cousins were misguided, all this interspersed with Irish Republicanism = Communism and no vodka to be mixed with the drinks at the school disco.

By the end of it all I was contemplating Buddhism.

Ataman, you are right.

But I believe many kids and their parents could choose b) study the basics and presumably the history of world's religions.

Ataman you are right, I missed the secular ethics sentence.
My bad as they say in the US...

(Ataman, 9 February 2012 18:32)
Barking bibsi libsis never check details before forming their opinion.Usefull idiots of thze first degree.

Ataman

Молодца !
(rote, 9 February 2012 19:21)

Yes he deserves to be called this way.His way of thinking has improved a lot espacially regarding Dohány-street gang.

Every child should get to know and understand other religions, just for sake to understand them, but practice what they feel like. When one understands that we all worship, but just in a different way, there would be much less hatred and misunderstanding in the world.

Russia is multi ethnic culture, and Mr Putin is doing wright think. For some people, as far as Mr Putin is concerned, he can't do anything. wright, even though he brought Russia out of Jelcin darkness.

Great job Mr Putin. You will do great things for Russia. The enemies of Russia would like Russia set on fire like they done in Middle East. Russian people are smart and they won't allow it, just like they did not allow it after Jelcin who brought Russia down to her knees.

Religions in class rooms.It may not be bad idea.Carefully crafted curriculum may help youngsters in their formative years.Love and care for mankind,honesty and integrity should be guiding principals in all religious teachings.

"According to Russian Education Ministry’s data, majority of students are interested in ethics, 42 percent. 30 percent of the students want to attend basics of the Orthodox Christian culture, basics of the world religions 18 percent, basics of Islam nine percent and basics of Buddhism one percent."

42% + 30% + 18% + 9% + 1% = 100%.

The rest of the students are interested how to burn and destroy a church the most efficient way. There is a short supply of the domestic teachers - at the begin the schools will employ guest professors from abroad. Unfortunately they could not find the "country" on the Russian maps which would be the best for this kind of outsourcing - please help them find it.

Who would have thought? Vladimir Putin (ex KGB agent) cares so much about religion.

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.
(Andy UK, 9 February 2012 16:54)

Agreed.

I'm not stupid enough to believe in old fairytales/ myths/ bo****ks. And certainly I wouldn't start a war over one.
(Ian, UK, 10 February 2012 01:59)

Well that explains the reason for your ignorance and racial intolerance.

I always have wondered why you were so pathetic, I guess you always missed the point of religion and instead been closed minded as to shut it from your life completely.

Religion taught and learnt the right way is a kind, beautiful and peaceful thing.

Taught and learnt the wrong way can be the opposite and create war and civil unrest.

What Putin is doing is undeniably the most sensible thing one could think of doing. Letting the children of Russia (the great & almighty) learn about other religions and ethics is a highly respectable and commendable initiative.

Cultural understanding and tolerance is surely one way to stop the ignorance and impulsive reactions/decisions humans have against one another when from a different upbringing.

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.
(Andy UK, 9 February 2012 16:54)

Agreed.

I'm not stupid enough to believe in old fairytales/ myths/ bo****ks. And certainly I wouldn't start a war over one.

The best answer to this topic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nIRJVmZ4K8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQPsLMygz1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmxAGhC-gLU&feature=related

and think if you like living in North Korea :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLyQDS1fy_Y

"According to Russian Education Ministry’s data, majority of students are interested in ethics, 42 percent. 30 percent of the students want to attend basics of the Orthodox Christian culture, basics of the world religions 18 percent, basics of Islam nine percent and basics of Buddhism one percent."

42% + 30% + 18% + 9% + 1% = 100%.

The rest of the students are interested how to burn and destroy a church the most efficient way. There is a short supply of the domestic teachers - at the begin the schools will employ guest professors from abroad. Unfortunately they could not find the "country" on the Russian maps which would be the best for this kind of outsourcing - please help them find it.

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.

what an appaling idea! Organised religion, of whatever dogma, is a primary medium for repression and conflict. It exists to focus power and control on those who control the dogma an who know the secrets. It is a force which resists change and inhibits the evolution of an ethical philosophy to guide humanity, one based on truth, not on Bronze Age creation myths. Churches and their priests tell lies to children - and we are supposed to respect those lies. How sad that one man, Putin, can allow more priests to telli more lies to more children.

Putin shoring up support in the clergy. Perhaps not a bad idea considering he knows that he is moving towards stormy waters.

Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons.

Putin shoring up support in the clergy. Perhaps not a bad idea considering he knows that he is moving towards stormy waters.

Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons.
(bganon, 9 February 2012 16:57)

Untrue, when I took it at secondary school It was rather fun, & taught us of the other religions (not only our own, Catholicism) & how to respect them

(Ataman, 9 February 2012 18:32)
Barking bibsi libsis never check details before forming their opinion.Usefull idiots of thze first degree.

The best answer to this topic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nIRJVmZ4K8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQPsLMygz1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmxAGhC-gLU&feature=related

and think if you like living in North Korea :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLyQDS1fy_Y

what an appaling idea! Organised religion, of whatever dogma, is a primary medium for repression and conflict.
(Andrew Beaumont, 9 February 2012 17:00)

Bganon and you should re-read the article. The title is very much misleading. I think, B92 could do a better summary and make a proper title of the content they correctly write later. There won't be any "compulsory" religious education in Russia. Instead, like in most E.U. countries the students can CHOSE either:

a) study one particular of the four major religions of the country (Orthodox-Pravoslav, Muslim, Iudaism, Buddhism)
b) study the basics and presumably the history of world's religions
c) study secular ethic standards

This is even a broader choice becase b) is usually absent in E.U. countries, so is Buddhism (despite Berlin, London and Paris being cities with very large Buddhist community).

And the choice "c)" is for the "rest of us". Not-so-surprisingly, the majority of Russian kids chose "c)".

There is no d). Possible choices....

Beaumont

1/ If you are so rational tell me please what for do you need letters in your second name which are never pronounced ? How much ink and time millions of French speaking people could save if the rules were as simple ( one sound – one letter) as they are in Russian ?

2/ Even if you are such a war mongering atheist what’s wrong if people will better understand each other ? Whatever you say religions will remain after we all go. It’s just goes as a matter of fact. Besides in such a multinational and multinational state as Russia definitely is confessional harmony is the question of survival. This is why we have no religion conflicts like there in Europe.

Bganon

What’s happened with you and what is there you can object ?

Andy UK

Mental illness is when you judge of something you never know !

Ataman

Молодца !

"Bad luck to students though, religious lessons at school are probably even less popular than maths lessons."
(bganon, 9 February 2012 16:57)

That's why they can choose. And the majority was wise enough to choose 'ethics' not to be brainwashed by some priests, imams, rabbies or whatever. But it shouldn't be the parents who can choose but the students themselves.

Teaching some basic ethics, values and behavior doesn't sound bad to me

Is it therapeutic to some to harp on about mankind being blocked from some evolving "truth" by "organized religion"(sic) whatever that grandly broad term might mean at any place and at any time for many thousand years now. And if you have the "truth" we are all missing, please publish it to public scrutiny and see who will live by your personal dogma. Here's the bottom line whether you like or not. Mankind is "evolving" into the major organized religions not away from them. That's just demographics and history. That's progress in the only sense progress can objectively mean. Perhaps the vast majority of mankind is "mentally ill" ( like Nietzsche ?) as a below adolescent angrily wrote. That is unlikely. Putin's Russia went through 75 years of ant-religious education. It didn't create the ethical society promised. After the disaster of the past alien Communist and Yeltsin years, Putin wisely protects the authentic. In fifty years or less, the post-Christian West will not be post-Christian. Whether it is churches or mosques that dot the landscape, I couldn't predict, but the idea that Islam or Christianity will somehow be extinguished or even weakened is very ahistorical. You can explain away such things as the dominance of religion in human affairs with amateur psychologizing but as Heidegger noted post-modern man often has such answers to questions he's never experienced.

Ataman, you are right.

But I believe many kids and their parents could choose b) study the basics and presumably the history of world's religions.

Ataman you are right, I missed the secular ethics sentence.
My bad as they say in the US...

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.
(Andy UK, 9 February 2012 16:54)

Agreed.

I'm not stupid enough to believe in old fairytales/ myths/ bo****ks. And certainly I wouldn't start a war over one.
(Ian, UK, 10 February 2012 01:59)

Well that explains the reason for your ignorance and racial intolerance.

I always have wondered why you were so pathetic, I guess you always missed the point of religion and instead been closed minded as to shut it from your life completely.

Religion taught and learnt the right way is a kind, beautiful and peaceful thing.

Taught and learnt the wrong way can be the opposite and create war and civil unrest.

What Putin is doing is undeniably the most sensible thing one could think of doing. Letting the children of Russia (the great & almighty) learn about other religions and ethics is a highly respectable and commendable initiative.

Cultural understanding and tolerance is surely one way to stop the ignorance and impulsive reactions/decisions humans have against one another when from a different upbringing.

Ataman

Молодца !
(rote, 9 February 2012 19:21)

Yes he deserves to be called this way.His way of thinking has improved a lot espacially regarding Dohány-street gang.

Who would have thought? Vladimir Putin (ex KGB agent) cares so much about religion.

Every child should get to know and understand other religions, just for sake to understand them, but practice what they feel like. When one understands that we all worship, but just in a different way, there would be much less hatred and misunderstanding in the world.

Russia is multi ethnic culture, and Mr Putin is doing wright think. For some people, as far as Mr Putin is concerned, he can't do anything. wright, even though he brought Russia out of Jelcin darkness.

Great job Mr Putin. You will do great things for Russia. The enemies of Russia would like Russia set on fire like they done in Middle East. Russian people are smart and they won't allow it, just like they did not allow it after Jelcin who brought Russia down to her knees.

Religion classes were a howl in my school. We used to get some idiot priest/monk/brother tell us all about hell, fire and brimestone awaits for those who indulge in sins of the flesh, how Muslims kill Christians. Jews will forever be banished from the Kingdom of Heaven for killing our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Protestants must return to the one true Church to save themselves and our Orthodox cousins were misguided, all this interspersed with Irish Republicanism = Communism and no vodka to be mixed with the drinks at the school disco.

By the end of it all I was contemplating Buddhism.

Why bother? Religion is a mental illness.
(Andy UK, 9 February 2012 16:54)

Agreed.

I'm not stupid enough to believe in old fairytales/ myths/ bo****ks. And certainly I wouldn't start a war over one.

Religions in class rooms.It may not be bad idea.Carefully crafted curriculum may help youngsters in their formative years.Love and care for mankind,honesty and integrity should be guiding principals in all religious teachings.